Investigators say fire deliberately set at Rio Linda charter school

Arson is being blamed for a fire that damaged a charter school in Rio Linda early Tuesday.

Sacramento Metropolitan Fire District crews were dispatched just after 6 a.m. to Heritage Peak Charter School, 6450 20th St., for a report of smoke in a building. When they arrived, they found a small fire that had started near a classroom door, spread into the wall and into the attic, according to a Metro Fire news release.

Crews cut small holes in the roof and walls to extinguish all the fire in concealed places. Although the fire damage was minimal, all the classrooms in the building sustained light smoke damage, officials said.

The school was not open at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.

Fire officials said arson investigators quickly determined that the fire was intentionally set and are asking the public’s help in finding the people responsible. Anyone with information is asked to call Metro Fire’s anonymous tipline at 916-859-3775, or email arsontip@metrofire.ca.gov.